Are you expecting a baby soon? Or looking for a doctor for your kids? A Pediatrician may be the right choice for you! When looking for a physician there are several things to consider, including the location of the office, the hours they are available, and how well you connect to the doctor!! Pediatric Center strives to fulfill all of those needs by offering 2 locations, convenient hours, and several physicians and nurse practitioners to ensure you find the right fit!

What is a Pediatrician?

Children have special needs, both medical and emotional, that are very different from those of an adult.  Pediatricians specialize in treating those needs and are trained to manage and prevent health problems in children from birth through high school graduation. 

Pediatricians complete three or more additional years of specialized education after medical school for their Pediatric residency.   All Pediatric Center physicians are board-eligible or have been board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.

When should you visit The Pediatric Center?

Physicians at Pediatric Center see patients for a variety of conditions. You can make appointments for ill visits, well-child visits (Physicals), any chronic issues such as Diabetes, ADD & ADHD, Asthma, or any other questions or concerns you have for your children!  Well child visits include immunizations based on the ACIP and AAP guidelines.

Where can you find The Pediatric Center?

Pediatric Center offers 2 convenient office locations! 

Downtown Cedar Rapids

411 10^th St. SE,  Ste 150, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403 

Hours:  Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m.  

            Friday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

            Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – Noon

NE Cedar Rapids

1231 Park Place NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 

Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

There is one phone number for both locations! Phone: 319-363-3600

• Phones are answered starting at 7:30 a.m. Monday – Friday, and 8:00 a.m. on Saturdays. 
• A Physician is On-Call 24/7 365 days a year!
• Find them online too at their website: www.pediatric-center.com or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/PediatricCenter.

Meet the Team at The Pediatric Center:

Physicians

Susan Halverson, MD, FAAP

I have been working at Pediatric Center for over 5 years, since I finished my pediatric residency. I chose pediatrics as a specialty because I truly love working with kids and their families. The thing I love most about my job is building a relationship with my patients and discovering their personalities. Kids can be pretty amusing! My husband, Will, and I have 2 children- Madeline and Adrian. In my spare time, I like to spend time with my family and friends, read, and run.

Linda McDermott, MD, FAAP

I am originally from Cedar Rapids and actually grew up less than 2 miles from our downtown office. Becoming a pediatrician was an obvious choice for me as it combined my desire to work with children and medicine. The best part of my job is connecting with families throughout their children’s “growing up years”.  While there are some tough days, many are filled with smiles. When I am not at work, I can be found on the sidelines or in an auditorium cheering or clapping for one my 4 children. I love my job as a mom as much as my job as a doctor.

Patrick O’Grady, MD, FAAP

I chose to be a Pediatrician because it lets me use my medical skills to help babies and children when they have medical problems.   I also never get tired of seeing the patients grow and maintain well-being at the checkups when they are healthy. The best part is getting to see my patients develop into unique, special people.  From their birth through being a toddler and a teenager, the changes and development of each one never ceases to be anything less than miraculous to me.  And when there are bumps along the way with health problems it is really completely satisfying to help them heal themselves with their parents’ love and care.   And sometimes a little medicine.   My avocations include following the Cubs, Bears, Bulls and Blackhawks secondary to growing up in Chicago and the Hawkeyes from living in Iowa since moving.  I also pretend to be a trout and salmon fly fisherman when I get the chance.  I also chase my dachshunds around the neighborhood when I am home.   I like listening to music and reading books when the dachshunds have finally fallen asleep next to me or my wife.

Jorie Shire, MD, FAAP

I enjoy pediatrics because of the stories and jokes from the children.  It is fun to see how the patients grow up so quickly.  I enjoy the outdoors with my husband and 2 children.  We like biking, boating, fishing and traveling.  I also try to do yoga in my free time.

Marie Svatek, MD, FAAP

I enjoy getting to know children and their families as they grow and develop over time. It is such a privilege to restore a child to good health!  I have an amazing husband who has supported my career for over 2 decades!  I have 2 beautiful children whom I am to blessed to have in my life!  I have treasured watching them grow and have loved every age and stage! I love spending time with my devoted girlfriends as well as watch my kids at sporting and/or performance events!  The shows I make time for are usually any Masterpiece Theater production on IPTV- what an indulgence!!!

Sarah Wickenkamp, MD. FAAP

I decided to become a pediatrician because I find children highly entertaining and usually straightforward in telling you what they think.  My favorite part about my career is watching babies grow into toddlers and then children and then young adults and interacting with their families along the way.  I have two grown children who have taught me a lot about parenting, much more than I learned from books.  In my free time, I like to garden, to knit, to watch movies and to travel. I keep hinting to my husband that I should think about retirement but he tells me I would miss the kids, and he’s probably right!

Nurse Practitioners

Ann Marie Berg, MSN, CPNP

I earned my MSN and ARNP from the University of Iowa. I pursued Pediatrics because I love the energy kids have, the needs and challenges specific to pediatrics, and because I enjoy working with children. One thing I love most about my job is getting to know the different personalities of patients and being a part of their growth and development from birth through young adulthood. My husband and I have raised three daughters here in Cedar Rapids. In my free time I enjoy the sport of running, being active, cooking, traveling, and getting together with friends.

Deb Kucera, RN, MN, CDE

I have always been a pediatric nurse during my nursing career.  I love children’s energy, honesty and varied personalities.  They make me smile.  I enjoy being a diabetes educator because of the focus on education and the opportunity to work with children and families over time.   When children are newly diagnosed with diabetes, it is rewarding to watch families gain confidence and competence in caring for the diabetes.  In my free time, I enjoy singing, baking, paper crafting, kayaking and hiking.

Carmen Wycoff, MS, CPNP

I have always loved working with children and their families.  I believe they are our best hope for a bright future.  I enjoy hearing about all the unique abilities and interests of each child and family.  I see my role as helping them to make healthy choices as they grow. My husband and I have 2 daughters. We enjoy traveling, attending the girls’ activities, and volunteering in our community.

Find out more about Pediatric Center P.C. on their website, or Facebook page.  Or call 319-363-3600 to schedule your appointment with a Pediatrician or Nurse Practitioner today!